Cornelius Bryant

Cornelius Bryant was born on June 21, 1964 in Houston, Texas. He was the first born son to Vera and Curtis Bryant and named by his aunt Joyce Allen. Cornelius attended J.C. McDade Elementary and Francis Scott Key Jr. High. He graduated in 1982 from Barbara Jordan High School for Careers. After graduating, he attended Southwestern Christian College. Cornelius had a beautiful spirit. He never met a stranger and his funny and charismatic personality lit up any room. He enjoyed spending time with his family, cooking, singing, dancing, and being the best dressed wherever he went.

Cornelius gave his life to Christ at an early age and was baptized at Fifth Ward Church of Christ. He and his family started attending Garden Oaks Church of Christ where he eventually served as a youth minister and was affectionately known by some as “Papa Smurf.” He loved the youth at Garden Oaks as if they were his own. He enjoyed accompanying them on various outings, but most importantly he supported them and lovingly redirected them. He also served as a Deacon and a Song Leader, remaining a faithful member until he was called home.

He met and married the love of his life, Sharon Lovelady, on July 12, 1991. For over 30 years they remained friends, confidants, and each other’s biggest supporters. Their union was blessed with four children; His Lil Princess Sharonda, Namesake Cornelius Keith, Babygirl Serena and Babyboy Chase. Cornelius was a loving and supportive husband and father. He always spoke of how blessed he was to have a beautiful, caring, and gentle wife and he never missed an opportunity to share how proud he was of his children.

A man of many trades, he held numerous occupations over the years. He began working his first job as a mechanic at Diamond Shamrock for Mr. Gilmore where he earned the nickname and was known in his neighborhood as “PeeWee”. He worked at McDonald’s for a number of years eventually becoming a manager where he established lifelong friendships beyond the workplace. His career path eventually led him to working with youth; some of his most rewarding occupations. Cornelius worked as a case manager for troubled youth at Southwest Key and as a Program Director at New Hope Youth Center. Cornelius was a well loved mentor, role model, and father figure to many youth over the course of his life modeling after his god brother John Tillman Jr. and his family who took him under his wings as a young boy.

Cornelius was called home on Sunday, June 5, 2022, in Houston Texas. He is preceded in death by his beautiful mother, Vera Bryant.

He leaves to cherish his memories his father Curtis Bryant; his loving wife, Sharon Bryant; his children, Sharonda Stephens (Larry II), Cornelius Keith Bryant II, Serena Bryant, and Chase Bryant; his grandchildren, Landyn, Lyree, and Shiloh; his siblings, Tresa Bryant Orphey (Mark), LaKeith Bryant, Tanya Bryant Jefferson (Shannon) and Dexter Bryant (Sharyl);his half siblings, Louise Chatman, Gloria LaBlanc, Shirley Harris, and Arthur Bryant and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.